CHAPTER THREE

Lunch was set with a nice hot pot of Katsudon. Shiro engorged himself on the delicious food that tasted so heavenly, you thought the gods had prepared it. The texture and flavor was so rich and full of taste. 

"IFT FASTS SHOO GOOOHD!!!!!" Shiro yelled with a mouth full of food. Savoring every bite of it. 

Kurosu sat on the other end of Chabudai* 

facing Shiro. 

"Your mouth is full. Disgusting"

"Mmmph!!!"

Shiro pointed at Kurosu and the two got into an argument over table manners while Azalea looked over at Kade.

Kade was a relatively tall red dragon, a little taller than Shiro and her, but Kurosu towered him a good bit. 

He had tousled red hair tied in a ponytail with his bangs still wildly hanging in the front. Kade was tan and muscular with small horns protruding from his hair line that matched his skin. Kade had various scars littering his body and smelled of ash and metal. 

"You came from the workshop again, didn't you?" Azalea asked him softly.

Kade smirked.

"You know I work today, lass! But I couldn't miss my little date with you so I had to race to get here!" Kade replied with a tiny glint in his deep purple eyes. 

Azalea merely averted her gaze with Kade's remark.

"You need a shower before we go anywhere now" 

"Oi, come now Azae-chan!" 

Azalea smiled slightly. Kade was easy to rile up sometimes but she knew he would do anything for her.

"Kurosu, please don't antagonize our guest" Azalea looked over to the two other dragons at the table as they were still going at it.

Kade quipped, "weren't you two just about to fuck earlier?" 

"WE WERE NOT!!" both Kurosu and Shiro  blurted, blushing red. 

Kade backed off but was laughing at their reactions. 

"Kurosu, mate! You need a special friend eventually!" 

"I don't constantly think about fucking, Kade"

"Maybe a good fuck will straighten out that attitude for ya!

Kurosu growled but then Azalea slammed her drink down with a tense smile.

"No more mentions of fucking in my house right now unless you feel like not eating in this house"

Kurosu and Kade both stopped, not wanting to continue when the threat of no food was present.

Shiro looked over at Azalea as a dark aura surrounded her smiling person. 

"She's scary even while smiling!" Shiro thought to himself 

They all ate for a bit when Azalea began to talk.

"Shiro, I must ask now" 

"Ah?"

"Your ability is unique for sure. I wanted to know how long you have been able to do that?"

Shiro shrugged, "I'm not sure. I guess since I got my marks when I was 13"

"Oi what am I missing 'er?" Kade interjected

"This idiot broke my foot and somehow healed me" Kurosu said 

"It was deserved!" Shiro added, still angry.

"Still, back to the subject" Azalea tried to steer the conversation back.

"What marks did you receive? Can I see them?"

"Oh-! Uhhhh….It's on my left shoulder" Shiro pointed to where it was located on his body. 

"My clan elders said it was a big deal but I think they're exaggerating, ehe" 

"It's a big deal if you can defy the principles of magic." Kurosu added.

He sat rigidly, Shiro thought he didn't look comfortable as he looked poised for an attack somewhere. 

"Look, I don't know much about it but my old man threw around the name Lightbringer. So I'm guessing that's my markings name" 

"Sounds made up"

"Eh- I don't know anymore than you do!" 

"Markings are well documented and studied. I've never once heard of a mark called Lightbringer or whatever it is you said!" 

Azalea agreed with Kurosu 

"Markings are special and some are specific to a type of dragon. Only pure Bloods can receive them and all stand for something, so it's unlikely to for a completely new to show up and no scholars try to study this"

"I'm telling you guys, I don't know shit! This is just what I heard" Shiro tried to defend himself as he is just as concerned. 

"I'd like to know more too but my clan kept me in the dark-Hell! My old man never talked to me about it! He'd make me shut up about anytime I brought it up!"

Azalea looked over at Kurosu, trying to determine if he knew anything. He shook his head. She sighed and turned to Kade. He got nervous 

"W-what? I'm no expert here!" 

Azalea expected as much.

"Shiro, if you'll let me, I'd like to look into this."

"Sure, knock yourself out. I've tried and got nothing" 

"Well, Ryoko has many resources so perhaps you shouldn't give up just yet"

Azalea didn't want Shiro to give up just yet as this could make her search easier if someone else was also helpful.

"Look, I tried it when I was at Academia and all the professors there told me I was out of my mind. So I stopped"

"WAIT, YOUR A LONG COAT!?!"

long coat, a slur for Academia students who during their education, have to wear long gray coats as part of their uniform.

"-Eh!?!"

"KUROSU, YOU LUCKY BASTARD!!"

"Calm down, Kade. He can't do shit! He nearly died today because he's stupid" 

"Ah-! HEY!!!"

Azalea tried to calm the dragon men in her room as it started to hurt her ears.

"Children, behave yourselves" 

THUD

The back door to Azalea's house was flung open and shut and the sound of loud footsteps came towards the living room, cutting past the kitchen.

A young green dragon boy with miniature horns identical to Azalea's stepped into the room. He had short auburn hair that was tousled and unkempt and green eyes that almost exuded a childish innocence to them. 

"Terra, you're late. I called you for lunch several times, what happened?" Azalea smiled happily at the boy, not entirely worried as she knew already he wasn't in trouble.

"Azae Nii-san*! I practiced out in the garden and I made our dandelions grow huge!!! I finally did it!" He proclaimed excitedly.

Terra darts to where Azalea sat, not taking in the fact that there are other people in the room conversing with her.

But Azalea remained calm and didn't seem upset by the intrusion as if such an occurrence was routine.

"That's wonderful, Terra. You're learning. But I'm afraid you're supposed to make the dandelions wither as it is a weed, not a flower."

"Oh" Terra deflated like a balloon

"You'll get it next time" 

Azalea patted his head to comfort him

"Terra, why don't you sit yourself next to Kade and eat up. You have to go to Master Kizer today."

Terra groaned as he moped over to Kades left side

"I don't want to go to Master Kizer. He's a bully!"

"That's because you're behind in your studies, Terra. You need to catch up. Now eat up or you'll run late again."

Terra grumbled and got a bowl of Katsudon.

Shiro internally chuckled at the reaction. 

"It's not uncommon for affluent families to hire private mages to educate their hatchlings." He told himself. "It wouldn't be a bad gig…but I'vealready committed to this...i have to!" 

Azalea pipes up, "Oh! Shiro, forgive my manners. This is my younger brother, Terra" 

Terra nods his head with a mouthful of food, not entirely sure how to greet the new dragon.

Shiro lets it slide. 

"I feel like we will get along well." Shiro told himself mildly amused.

"Terra, do treat him kindly as he will be coming here often. Consider him a brother like Kade and Kurosu."

"Eh?" Shiro almost choked on a spoonful of Katsudon when he heard that.

An hour had passed by the time Terra had to leave for his lessons. He was running late as Azalea hurried him out the door. 

Kade, Shiro, and Kurosu were all seated in the living room and were speaking amongst themselves.

"Oi! Whitey! You think you can handle this job?" Kade spoke as the topic of Koens contract he had made between Shiro and Kurosu was brought up.

Shiro pouted and was ready to throw hands at the red head.

"Watch it, tomato head. I'm sure I can handle this!"

"T-Tomato What!?!"

"Shut up, you two" Kurosu interjected

"But I'm serious mate!"

"I don't want to talk about it at this moment for now let's just drop it"

"...tsk"

They three remained silent until Azalea came back.

"Kade, you should prepare to leave" She said abruptly

Kade stood up in shock and stress, which Shiro found to be unusual but Kurosu was unfazed.

"Wha!?! Azalea! Don't kick me out just yet!?!"

"But you need to be ready for that date you promised?" Azalea looked over at him sweetly and pursed her lips "I have not forgotten.."

"I'LL GET READY IN ONE MOMENT!" 

Kade raced out upstairs to clean himself as he had promised. 

Azalea sighed in relief

"Now with no distractions I can speak to you two freely" She said with confidence as he sat down on the couch parallel to Shiro and Kurosu.

"I'll look into this strange case of your Shiro as it's not natural and I'm curious as to what it could do. If you'd like, I am more than willing to help you find work since it seems-"

"No need for that, Azalea"

"Hm?"

Shiro looked over at Kurosu nervously 

"H-huh!?!"

Kurosu leaned back in confidence. 

"I'll train him to be a hunter. Koen has already agreed to raise my wages for this if I do so, I gain more by this"

"Wow, so noble of you." Shiro remarked sarcastically. 

"I see…" Azalea wasn't quite convinced but continued, "Alright but I still wish to offer my help to you Shiro." 

"Y-you don't have to-'' Shiro stuttered a bit sheepishly; A light blush on his face.

"It's quite alright. I do not mind at all. You're a friend now!" 

Kurosu watched silently as Azalea coaxed Shiro to accept her services.

"....why did i even accept this?" Kurosu thought to himself. His thoughts clouded as he felt uncertainty over his decision. "...he's not that special...he'll be gone by the end of week, I'm sure of it" He told himself.

"Kurosu"

"?"

Azalea interrupted his thoughts, "...what now?" 

"I was just saying, you should probably head back to your place soon."

"...yes...Chalk get up, we're leaving" Kurosu sat up but Shiro started to protest.

"W-what? Why do I have to go!?!"

"Oh...you don't know do you?" Azalea looked over to the two in mild concern. 

"D-don't know what?" Shiro looked to her nervously, pleading silently for safety.

"...as per any partnership agreement in the guild, both parties have to live under the same roof for the entirety of the contract in order to foster  Camaraderie...you'll have to stay with Kurosu since he has an established place of residence and you don't."

"..HOLD UP…...WHAT!?!" 

Shiro let out a wail of agony.

"IS THE FUCKING GODS TRYING TO MAKE MY LIFE MISERABLE NOW!?!?!"

Will you for love of God, be quiet" Kuro looked over the sobbing Shiro unbothered. 

Azalea didn't seem sure what to do but pat his head in comfort, which didn't seem to do much.

Shiro lies on the ground in a ball cursing himself and sobbing.

"IT'S BAD ENOUGH TO HAVE TO WORK WITH YOU BUT NOW I HAVE TO LIVE YOU!?! I'LL NEVER CATCH A BREAK FROM YOU!?!"

"your overreacting, dumbass"

Kurosu grabs Shiro by hoisting up and tucking him under his left arm with ease.

"Eh!?!"

"Leaving now!" 

 Suddenly, a dark portal appeared under Kurosu's feet and he dropped into it. Shiro screamed at the sudden drop and the scream seemed to fade as he fell in with Kurosu. 

The portal then disappeared with a soft pop as it shrunk into nothing on the floor of Azalea's house.

Azalea was left standing there, mildly confused.

 A dark portal popped into the space of an unknown room as Shiro felt the force of being pulled from one place e to another abruptly. It felt like he was pushed down a high place. The inertia of the jump and the sudden stop shocked him, especially since he landed on the hard floor unexpectedly. Kurosu has dropped him when they were fully through the portal Kurosu dragged them both through. 

"Ugh-!!" Shiro groaned as he felt the hardwood floor hit his body. His stomach mostly hurt from where Kurosu had his arm wrapped around. 

"That Bastard!!!" Shiro thought to himself in anger and embarrassment, "I'm not a thing you just throw around!!" 

He slowly got up into a sitting position and took in his surroundings. Shiro had been transported to a small and barren room with a small gray couch in the corner with a coffee table and a few pieces of furniture that seemed quite empty with no items accenting the; A table in the corner with no items on top, a black bookshelf parallel to the couch with absolutely nothing adorning the rows of empty space. 

"Well this looks depressing" Shiro scoffed as he stood and dusted himself off.

"Don't be critical of my decorating, you'll be dealing with it from now on" 

"Like hell I won't. This isn't even minimalist. It's just plain awful" Shiro retorted.

"I don't give a damn, snowflake" 

"Oho! I've been upgraded now! What happened to chalk!?!" 

"Does it matter what I call you? You seem to respond to whatever"

"I have a name and if you're gonna be that way, I'll just won't talk to you until you say my REAL name!"

Shiro turned his head away like a child refusing to eat their vegetables. Visibly annoyed with the latter.

"You're overreacting. I do KNOW your name."

"..." 

Shiro still had his head turned away and wasn't responding.

"Listen, don't be a little kid right now. We need to talk about the contract. It requires us both to contribute to this partnership and if I am training you as my contribution, you need to do something for me for the contract to work, understand?"

"..."

"This contract will be voided and will both be punished for it. You will lose your hunter's license."

"...."

"I SAID YOU WILL LOSE YOUR HUNTERS LICENSE AND THAT MEANS YOU'LL BE OUT ON THE STREETS!" 

"..."

Kurosu huffed. 

"He's actually doing this, huh?" He thought to himself.

Kurosu swallows his pride for once. As much as he wanted to die on this hill and stick it to Shiro, he wanted to get this conversation over with.

"...Shiro." Kurosu uttered softly, making Shiro turn his head. He had a sly smirk on his face as he had finally proven his point.

"Yes? You have my attention now" 

Kurosu just growled in annoyance and continued with his explanation.

"In order for the contract to work, we have to provide something the other party needs. In these contracts, if you don't contribute, there will be consequences"

"Uh-huh" 

"So since I am contributing by training you in combat, you need to contribute!"

"And what will you need from me? Do you need lessons on interior design?" 

"N-no!" 

"Then what do you need me to do? Spit it out" 

"Just do housekeeping! I don't know, just clean around the house when I'm away! I still have to do commissions so just make the house tidy" 

"...that's it?" 

Kurosu looked at Shiro a little nervously, Clearly not expecting Shiro to accept the idea.

"OK so let me get this straight: You will train ME if I just...clean your house while you're gone?"

"....and…cook"

"Oh, dear god" 

"Shiro!  

Shiro isn't sure if Kurosu's serious about this or if he's just screwing with him.

He'll teach him how to defend himself if he just cooks and cleans.

Easy peesy!

"OK, fine. W-where do I start?" 

"...!" 

The two looked at each other like the other was stupid.

"R-really?"

"Yeah, totally" 

"Eh…"

"Is this that hard for you!?!" 

"S-shut up! I can't do either since I'm always away! I don't have time!"

Kurosu had a light gray blush over his pale face and the rings on his Horns were glowing a light purple.

"He's embarrassed." Shiro thought. "Black Dragons horns glow in response to their emotions. If they're heightened enough, they'll glow brighter...it's kinda cute on Kurosu." 

Shiro quickly back peddled on that though 

"N-not that it matters!!" 

He shook his head to get back in focus.

"Whatever the case, I'll gladly do it if you fulfill your end!" Shiro proclaimed loudly. He walked over to stand toe to toe with Kurosu; Hands on his hips and a confident smile.

"When do we start?" 

 Shiro let out a wail as he faced the empty and barren kitchen in Kurosu's apartment. Not a single plate or pan filled its cabinets or drawers. Even the fridge and pantry were stripped bare.

"Aaaaaaaagh!!!!!" Shiro screamed 

"W-what…?" Kurosu over at Shiro, unfazed by the issue at hand.

"HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO COOK WHEN THERE IS NOTHING TO COOK WITH!!" 

"...Can't you just...make it?" 

Shiro facepalmed at the sheer lack of understanding coming from his "teacher" now.

"After checking your cleaning supplies, WHICH YOU DON'T EVEN HAVE, I check this and you don't have COOKING SUPPLIES EITHER!?! HOW WERE EXPECTING ME TO DO MY PART WITHOUT IT!?!"

"...I had thought about that" 

"You hadn't thought about it...At all."

"No"

"Oh, dear god"

Shiro massaged the bridge of nose. He then has an idea pop into his head.

He stands in front of Kurosu and grips his scarf, pulling Kurosu down to eye level with him.

"Where's your money!" 

"Eh!?!" 

"I need your money so I can buy supplies! Consider it a down payment for the work!" 

"You're not taking my money!"

Kurosu felt a dark aura come from Shiro, it was an overwhelming sense of imminent death emanating from the smaller dragon. A power spike he felt when Shiro stomped on his foot. It's occurring again.

"I'M TAKING IT. NOW!" Shiro firmly ordered. 

"..."

Kurosu and Shiro are at the Ryoko street market ordering whatever Shiro tells Kurosu to get, he begrudgingly gets it while carrying everything Shiro has him order.